Abertillery Aikido Club. Bushinkai.

Kenshiro Abbe Celebration Course.
Saturday 15th May, 2005

Once the above picture gallery has been completed, this page will remain untouched for the life of this website. It will serve as a reminder to both myself and others who participated on the course, and will be a point of reference to recapture memories of the day.

I was original invited to be the guest of Sensei Ellis on the 19th December, 2004. I did spend a few hours thinking whether I should accept or not. I eventually decided that I would accept the offer, and formally wrote to Sensei Ellis thanking him for this very generous offer, and advised I would accept.

Now the course has finished, I can honestly say; I was introduced to individuals who I would ordinarily never have met. Sensei Ellis was the perfect host, and was very kind to both Andrew & myself. I will always be very grateful to Sensei Ellis for not only thinking of me, but honouring Abertillery Aikido Club with a place on this very important course.

On behalf of both myself & Abertillery Aikido club, I commissioned two piece's of Japanese calligraphy. The calligraphy was completed by Ayako Kamura. Her website details are www.thejapanshop.co.uk Anyone wishing to contact Ayako direct, her email address is ayascards@gmail.com Ayako completed the simple but beautiful Abbe Kenshiro in Kanji for me. The official portraits will be posted above shortly. Both pieces were presented to Sensei Ellis & Sensei Eastman.

Having five different teachers on the day, would give everyone a choice and style to learn. It just shows why Aikido is so wide and diverse in the United Kingdom. Arriving with each section, were the students. All shapes and sizes, coupled with different grades and experience. I personally met many individuals who I have not seen for many years. On the other hand, new faces became friends as well. Many people tend to forget, that students travelled from far and wide to attend this course. We finally met Sensei Rogers & Sensei Montemar from the United States. Also in attendance was Chad. These people travelled from New Mexico & Texas! We unfortunately only had short periods of time to practice with each other, but the experience and sharing of knowledge was important.

I am personally glad I made the effort to attend the course. New friendships were forged, and old friendships were renewed. The memories of hearing the drummers before the course even started, set the atmosphere for the day. This feeling continued throughout the day. No course before or after this event will ever come close. The main purpose of the course, was to celebrate the life and arrival of Abbe Sensei to the United Kingdom. I believe this was not only achieved, but surpassed.

I was there!

Sensei Ellis has written an interesting epilogue, to the non representation of the BAB chairman at the celebration course. The link to read further information is

http://www.geocities.com/britishaikido/articles/BAB.htm